Dynamic hammock spreader apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A method for spreading a hammock is disclosed. The method may include selecting a hammock comprising a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction. The method may further include suspending the first end of the hammock base from a first anchor and suspending the second end of the hammock base from a second anchor. Once suspended, the hammock base may be spread in the lateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system. The dynamic spreader system may automatically adjust the amount of the spreading in response to changes in the weight, shape, or orientation of contents within the hammock base.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/743,788 filed Jan. 17, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,650,679), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/574,166 filed Oct.6, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,356,370), both of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to hammocks and, more particularly, to novelsystems and methods for a dynamic hammock spreader providing theadvantages of a rigid spreader without the instability associatedtherewith.

2. The Background Art

A hammock can typically be classified as one of two types or varieties.The first type of hammock is a hammock with one or more spreaders. Thesecond type of hammock is a spreaderless hammock. Both types of hammockshave their strong points and weaknesses. For example, a hammock with aspreader is typically open, inviting, and non-confining. However, thathammock will typically be unstable. That is, if an occupant does notproperly position himself over the center of the hammock, the hammockwill roll, dumping the occupant on the ground.

Conversely, while spreaderless hammocks are quite stable, they haveother problems. For example, without additional, external tethers, thematerial of a spreaderless hammock will tend to collect around anoccupant. Many occupants find this cocooning effect to be undesirable.

In view of the foregoing, what is needed is a hammock providing thebenefits of both spreader and spreaderless hammocks, without theliabilities and problems of either.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodiedand broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed inone embodiment of the present invention as including a hammockcomprising a hammock base and a hammock canopy. A hammock base maysupport the weight of a user occupying the hammock. A hammock canopy mayextend over a hammock base and cooperate therewith in forming anenclosure. In certain embodiments, corresponding ends of the hammockbase and hammock canopy may be gathered by first and second tethers.Accordingly, a hammock may converge to the respective tethers at eachend.

Without any spreader, a hammock may tend to bunch together in thelateral direction. Such bunching may make it more difficult to enter ahammock. Thus, in selected embodiments, a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention may include a spreader system. In certain embodiments,a spreader system may be dynamic, varying or balancing the amount ofspreading in the lateral direction imposed on the hammock.

Through the use of a dynamic spreader system, a hammock in accordancewith the present invention may provide certain advantages associatedwith hammocks having rigid spreaders. However, due the dynamic nature ofsuch a spreader system, a hammock in accordance with the presentinvention may avoid the instability associated with hammocks havingrigid spreaders.

In selected embodiments, a dynamic spreader system may comprise one ormore springs urging separation of the first and second sides of thehammock base. For example, in one embodiment, a dynamic spreader systemmay comprise one or more spreaders resiliently deflected to urge thefirst side of a hammock base away from the second side of the hammockbase.

In certain embodiments, a spreader may comprise a flexible rod. Aflexible rod may have a substantially linear neutral or non-deflectedconfiguration. When resiliently bent, a flexible rod may arch over orunder a hammock base. The ends of the flexible rod may be connected torespective sides of the hammock base. Accordingly, the tendency of theflexible rod to return to its substantially linear neutral configurationmay urge the first side of the hammock base away from the second side ofthe hammock base. The flexible rod may be sized (e.g., in length,thickness, and the like) or configured such that the magnitude of thisurging is insufficient to impart to the hammock base the instabilityassociated with hammocks having rigid spreaders.

In embodiments where a spreader arches over a hammock base, the spreadermay space a hammock canopy from a hammock base, increasing the volume ofthe enclosure therebetween. Loops, sleeves, hooks, or the like may beused to connect a spreader to a hammock canopy. The arch of the spreadermay define or control the arch of the hammock canopy over the hammockbase.

A dynamic spreader system in accordance with the present invention mayautomatically adjust the amount of spreading imposed on a hammock. Inselected embodiments, this adjusting may be in response to changes inthe weight, shape, orientation, and the like, or combinations thereof,of contents within the hammock base. Moreover, this adjusting mayreflect or accommodate a new equilibrium between the forces generated bya dynamic spreader system and the forces associated with a hammock.

That is, a dynamic spreader system may increase the separation betweenthe first and second sides of a hammock base until an equilibrium isreached between the forces generated by the dynamic spreader system andopposing forces associated with the weight of the hammock, its contents,etc. As the forces associated with the weight of the hammock, itscontents, etc. change, the position of a dynamic spreader system atequilibrium therewith may vary.

In selected embodiments, a dynamic spreading system may be configured toprovide (e.g., have a length and effective spring constant selected toprovide) an optimal equilibrium when the corresponding hammock isoccupied by a user. For example, a spreader may have a length andresiliency in bending such that the height of the arch formed by thespreader when the hammock base is occupied provides an optimalsuspension and tensioning of the hammock canopy. This optimal suspensionand tensioning may be characterized by a lack of unwanted sagging and alack of excessive tension in the hammock canopy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fullyapparent from the following description and appended claims, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are,therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described with additional specificity and detail through use ofthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention in an unoccupied configuration and substantiallyunweighted by contents;

FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the hammock of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention in an occupied configuration;

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the hammock of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a hammock in an occupied configurationwith the hammock canopy open and the occupant positioned eccentricallywith respect to the hammock base and spreader system;

FIG. 6A is an end elevation view of a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention with the occupant or contents eccentrically positionedproximate the second side of the hammock base;

FIG. 6B is an end elevation view of a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention with the occupant or contents centrally positionedwith respect to the hammock base and spreader system;

FIG. 6C is an end elevation view of a hammock in accordance with thepresent invention with the occupant or contents eccentrically positionedproximate the first side of the hammock base;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hammock in an occupied configurationwith the hammock canopy open and the occupant positioned orthogonallywith respect to the longitudinal axis of the hammock;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of one end of a hammock with thehammock canopy open and a spreader in accordance with the presentinvention oriented vertically in its base or home position;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of one end of a hammock with thehammock canopy open and a spreader in accordance with the presentinvention pushed or deflected out of its base or home position; and

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating a drip ringadjustment apparatus and method in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawingsherein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, asrepresented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention, as claimed, but is merely representative of variousembodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of theinvention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, whereinlike parts are designated by like numerals throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, in discussing a hammock 10 in accordancewith the present invention, it may be advantageous to establish areliable coordinate system. Accordingly, a coordinate axes may bedefined comprising longitudinal 11 a, lateral 11 b, and transversedirections 11 c substantially orthogonal to one another.

A hammock 10 in accordance with the present invention may include ahammock base 12 and a hammock canopy 14. A hammock base 12 may supportthe weight of a user occupying the hammock 10. A hammock canopy 14 mayextend over a hammock base 12 and cooperate with the hammock base 12 informing an enclosure. This enclosure may protect a user occupying thehammock 10 from insects, wind, rain, etc.

In selected embodiments, a hammock base 12 may be formed of flexiblematerial such as a flexible fabric. A hammock base 12 may have a firstend 16, a second end 18 opposite the first end 16 in the longitudinaldirection 11 a, a first side 20, and a second side 22 opposite the firstside 20 in the lateral direction 11 b. The material forming a hammockbase 12 may have any suitable shape. In certain embodiments, thematerial forming a hammock base 12 may have a generally rectangularshape.

The first end 16 of a hammock base 12 may be folded to form a sleeve asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,772, which is hereby incorporated byreference. Such a sleeve may be constructed to receive a first tether 24(e.g., rope 24, strap 24, or the like) therethrough. The second end 18of a hammock base 12 may be folded in like manner. Accordingly, thesecond end 18 may receive a second tether 26 (e.g., rope 26, strap 26,or the like) therethrough. The first and second ends 16, 18 may berespectively gathered and secured by the first and second tethers 24,26. The first and second tethers 24, 26 may then extend from the hammock10 to engage, or be suspended from, corresponding anchors (e.g., trees,posts, beams, hooks, etc.).

With each end 16, 18 pulled into a gather, the hammock base 12 may forma concavity. That is, gathering the first and second ends 16, 18 maycause the sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 12 to be pulled upwards inthe transverse direction 11 c, leaving a center portion 28 of thehammock base 12 to sag with slack therebetween and below. This concavitymay form a comfortable, stable, and supportive space for a user tooccupy.

A hammock canopy 14 in accordance with the present invention may beformed of flexible material such as a flexible fabric. Like a hammockbase 12, a hammock canopy may have a first end 30, a second end 32opposite the first end 30 in the longitudinal direction 11 a, a firstside 34, and a second side 36 opposite the first side 34 in the lateraldirection 11 b. The material forming a hammock canopy 14 may have anysuitable shape. In certain embodiments, the material forming a hammockcanopy 14 may have a generally rectangular shape.

The first and second ends 30, 32 and first and second sides 34, 36 of ahammock canopy 14 may be respectively secured (e.g., sewn) to the firstand second ends 16, 18 and first and second sides 20, 22 of a hammockbase 12. In selected embodiments, the first end 30 of a hammock canopy12 may be secured to the first end 16 of a hammock base 12 as disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,772. The second end 34 of a hammock canopy 14 maybe secured to the second end 18 of the hammock base 12 in like manner.

In certain embodiments, due to their respective securement to the firstand second ends 16, 18, the first and second ends 30, 32 of the hammockcanopy 14 may be gathered by the first and second tethers 24, 26.Accordingly, a hammock 10 may converge to the respective tethers 24, 26at each end. Moreover, without any spreader, a hammock 10 may tend tobunch together in the lateral direction 11 b. Such bunching may make itmore difficult to enter a hammock 10. Thus, in selected embodiments, ahammock 10 in accordance with the present invention may include aspreader system 38.

In selected embodiments, a spreader system 38 may be dynamic, varying orbalancing the amount of spreading 40 in the lateral direction 11 bimposed on the hammock 10. In such embodiments, the spreading 40 of ahammock 10 in the lateral direction 11 b may be accomplished usingexclusively a dynamic spreader system 38.

Through the use of a dynamic spreader system 38, a hammock 10 inaccordance with the present invention may provide certain advantagesassociated with hammocks having rigid spreaders. However, due thedynamic nature of such a spreader system 38, a hammock 10 in accordancewith the present invention may avoid the instability associated withhammocks having rigid spreaders.

A dynamic spreader system 38 in accordance with the present inventionmay take any suitable form. In selected embodiments, a dynamic spreadersystem 38 may comprise one or more springs urging separation of thefirst and second sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 12. For example, inone embodiment, a dynamic spreader system 38 may comprise one or morespreaders 42 resiliently deflected to urge the first side 20 of ahammock base 12 away from the second side 22 of the hammock base 12.

In selected embodiments, a spreader 42 may comprise a flexible rod 44. Aflexible rod 44 may have a substantially linear neutral or non-deflectedconfiguration. When resiliently bent, a flexible rod 44 may arch over orunder a hammock base 12. The ends of the flexible rod 44 may beconnected to respective sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 12. Thetendency of the flexible rod 44 to return to its substantially linearneutral configuration may urge the first side 20 of the hammock base 12away from the second side 22 of the hammock base 12. The flexible rod 44may be sized or configured such that the magnitude of this urging isinsufficient to impart to the hammock base 12 the instability associatedwith hammocks having rigid spreaders.

A flexible rod 44 in accordance with the present invention may be formedof any suitable material or materials and have any suitableconfiguration. In selected embodiments, a flexible rod 44 may comprisemultiple rod segments connected via one or more couplers. By removingcertain of such rod segments from corresponding couplers, each flexiblerod 44 may be broken down for easier transport and storage. In oneembodiment, solid, cylindrical, fiber glass rods of about one eighthinch (0.3 cm) to about quarter inch diameter (0.6 cm) may be suitablerod segments.

A spreader 42 in accordance with the present invention may be connectedto a hammock 10 in any suitable manner. In selected embodiments, anextension strap 46 may extending from each side of a hammock 10 toengage respective ends of a spreader 42. Such extension straps 46 maysecure to a hammock 10 in any suitable manner. For example, they may besewn to the sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 10 or the sides 34, 36 ofthe hammock canopy 14. In one embodiment, extension straps 46 may besewn into a seam joining a hammock base 12 to a hammock canopy 14.

Similarly, a spreader 42 in accordance with the present invention may beconnected to an extension strap 46 in any suitable manner. In selectedembodiments, an extension strap 46 may have a pocket formed therein.This pocket may receive and secure the end of a spreader 42 insertedtherewithin. In other embodiments, an extension strap 46 may include agrommet. In such embodiments, an end of a spreader 42 may be configuredto engage the grommet.

In embodiments where a spreader 42 arches over a hammock base 12, thespreader 42 may space a hammock canopy 14 from a hammock base 12,increasing the volume of the enclosure therebetween. In suchembodiments, a spreader 42 may extend internally or externally withrespect to a hammock canopy 14. Loops, sleeves 48, hooks, or the likemay be used to connect a spreader 42 to a hammock canopy 42. Forexample, in one embodiment, one or more sleeves 48 may be secured to, orformed as part of, the hammock canopy 14. A spreader 42 may extendexternally with respect to a hammock canopy 14, passing through thesleeves 48. The arch of the spreader 42 may define or control the archof the hammock canopy 14 over the hammock base 12.

In selected embodiments, a spreader system 38 may include one or morespreaders 42. In one embodiment, a spreader system 38 may have only onespreader 42 positioned proximate the “head end” of a hammock base 12. Inother embodiments, a spreader system 38 may have two spreaders 42. Forexample, one spreader 42 may be located proximate a first end 16 of ahammock base 12, while the other 42 may be positioned proximate a secondend 18 of the hammock base 12. In such embodiments, a hammock 10 mayhave a generally cylindrical mid-section with conical ends gathered toconverge to respective tethers 24, 26.

In certain embodiments, a hammock canopy 14 may have a door 50 orentryway 50 formed therein. For example, a hammock canopy 14 may includea portion of material 50 that is connected, at least partially, to therest of the hammock canopy 14 via a zipper. By operating the zipper, auser may create an opening into the enclosure formed by the hammock base12 and hammock canopy 14.

An entryway 50 in a hammock canopy 14 may have multiple layers. Forexample, an entryway 50 may include a screen or mesh layer 52 providingboth ventilation and a barrier to insects. An entryway 50 may alsoinclude a wind break layer resisting air flow through the entryway 50Accordingly, when the wind break layer is closed (e.g., zipped closed),an occupant of the hammock 10 may be protected from excessive exchangewith the outside air. Such a configuration may be desirable in windy orcold conditions.

The perimeter of an entryway 50 in accordance with the present inventionmay have any suitable shape or configuration. In one embodiment havingtwo spreaders 42, the perimeter (e.g., zipper) of an entryway 50 mayencircle or encompass substantially the entire portion of the hammockcanopy 14 between the first and second sides 34, 36 and the twospreaders 42.

In selected embodiments, a hammock 10 may include storage pockets 54.The preferably large pockets 54 may be placed underneath the hammockbase 12. The pockets 54 may provide space for storing gear, food, andsupplies off the ground and within easy reach of an occupant of thehammock 10. The pockets 52 may also provide a dead air space on theunderside of the hammock base 12. The dead air space may slow heat flowfrom the occupant out through the underside of the hammock base 12. Inother embodiments, the pockets 52 may be omitted or under-quilting maybe substituted in the place of the pocket 52.

A dynamic spreader system 38 in accordance with the present inventionmay automatically adjust the amount of spreading 40 imposed on a hammock10. In selected embodiments, this adjusting may be in response tochanges in the weight, shape, orientation, and the like, or combinationsthereof, of contents within the hammock base 12. Moreover, thisadjusting may reflect or accommodate a new equilibrium between theforces generated by a dynamic spreader system 38 and the forcesassociated with a hammock 10.

That is, a dynamic spreader system 38 may urge separation of the firstand second sides 20, 22 of a hammock base 12. However, this separationmay not occur in isolation. Movement of the first and second sides 20,22 of a hammock base 12 away from each other in the lateral direction 11b may induce other, corresponding movements.

For example, lateral separation may draw the center portion 28 of thehammock base 12 upward in the transverse direction 11 c. Additionally,lateral separation may draw the first and second ends 16, 18 of thehammock base 12 closer together in the longitudinal direction 11 a. Thislatter motion may reduce the slack with which the hammock 10 hangsbetween corresponding anchors and effectively raise the elevation of theentire hammock 10.

Accordingly, a dynamic spreader system 38 may increase the separationbetween the first and second sides 20, 22 of a hammock base 12 until anequilibrium is reached between the forces generated by the dynamicspreader system 38 and opposing forces associated with the weight of thehammock 10, its contents, etc. As the forces associated with the weightof the hammock 10, its contents, etc. change, the position of a dynamicspreader system 38 at equilibrium therewith may vary.

For example, in an empty or lightly weighted hammock 10 (e.g., thehammock of FIGS. 1 and 2), there may be little weight urging the centralportion 28 of a hammock base 10 downward. In such situations, the forcesopposing a dynamic spreading system 38 may be at a minimum. Accordingly,the amount of spreading 40 imposed by the dynamic spreading system 38may be at a maximum.

Conversely, in a loaded or occupied hammock 10 (e.g., the hammock ofFIGS. 3 and 4), there may be significant weight urging the centralportion 28 of a hammock base 10 downward. In such situations, the forcesopposing a dynamic spreading system 38 may be substantial. Accordingly,the amount of spreading 40 imposed by the dynamic spreading system 38may be reduced.

Shape, orientation, and the like of contents within a hammock 10 mayalso influence the amount of spreading 40 imposed by the dynamicspreading system 38. For example, an object may have a length greaterthan its width. When the object is placed within a hammock base 12 suchthat the length of the object aligns with the longitudinal direction 11a, a first equilibrium may be reached between the forces associated withthe object and those of the dynamic spreader system 38. When the objectis placed within a hammock base 12 such that the length of the objectaligns with the lateral direction 11 b, a second equilibrium may bereached between the forces associated with the object and those of thedynamic spreader system 38. In such an example, the object weighs thesame in both orientations. However, the spreading 40 associated with thesecond equilibrium may be greater than the spreading 40 associated withthe first equilibrium.

In selected embodiments, a dynamic spreading system 38 in accordancewith the present invention may be configured to provide (e.g., have alength and effective spring constant selected to provide) an optimalequilibrium when the corresponding hammock 10 is occupied by a user.That is, like a tent, a hammock 10 in accordance with the presentinvention may appear to its greatest advantage when it is pitched or setup tightly with a minimum of sagging material. Accordingly, the amountof spreading 40 provided by, and the overall configuration of, a dynamicspreader system 38 at equilibrium with an occupied hammock 10 maycoincide with and support an optimally deployed configuration of theoccupied hammock 10.

For example, in selected embodiments, a dynamic spreader system 38 maycomprise a spreader 42 arching over a hammock base 12. In suchembodiments, changes in the amount of spreading 40 may correspond tochanges in the grade (i.e., degree of incline) and overall height of thearch formed by the spreader 42. In general, the greater the amount ofspreading 40, the less the grade and the overall height of the arch andvice versa.

In certain embodiments, changes in the overall height of an arch formedby a spreader 42 may affect a hammock canopy 14 supported by thespreader 42. For example, the height of an arch may affect the amount ofseparation between a hammock canopy 12 and a hammock base 14. The heighton an arch may also affect the amount of sag within a hammock canopy 14.Too little height my cause the hammock canopy 14 to sag excessively,causing unwanted encroachment into the space of an occupant of thehammock base 12. Too much height may cause a hammock canopy 14 to bepulled excessively tight, causing unwanted wear on seams, zippers of anentryway 50, etc.

Accordingly, in selected embodiments, a spreader 42 may have a lengthand resiliency in bending such that the height of the arch formed by thespreader 42 when the hammock base 12 is occupied provides an optimalsuspension and tensioning of the hammock canopy 14. This optimalsuspension and tensioning may be characterized by a lack of unwantedsagging and a lack of excessive tension in the hammock canopy 14.

Due to the dynamic nature of the spreading 40 imposed by a dynamicspreader system 38 in accordance with the present invention, a spreader42 optimized for an occupied hammock base 12 may not be optimized forthat hammock 10 when the hammock base 12 is unoccupied and substantiallyunweighted. However, it has been found that the shape or configurationof such a hammock 10 when unoccupied and substantially unweighted issuitable for its intended purpose.

This concept of an optimized spreader 42 may become more evident whencomparing FIG. 1 to FIG. 3. The hammock 10 illustrated in these twofigures is the same. The only difference is that in FIG. 1, the hammock10 is unoccupied and substantially unweighted by contents, while in FIG.3, the hammock 10 is occupied by a user. The spreaders 42 applied to thehammock 10 in these figures are optimized for the occupied configuration(i.e., the configuration show in FIG. 3).

As can be seen, in FIG. 3, the entryway portion 50 of the hammock canopy14 is ideally tensioned. The occupant in hammock 10 would not feel thatthe hammock canopy 14 is sagging and encroaching on him. In contrast, inFIG. 1, the entryway portion 50 of the hammock canopy 14 sags into theinterior of the enclosure formed by the hammock 10. However, in theunoccupied and substantially unweighted configuration of FIG. 1, thereis by definition no occupant being encroached by such sagging. Moreover,the amount of spreading 40 imposed and the suspension of the hammockcanopy 14 is sufficient to fully expose the entryway 50 to view so thatit may easily be opened or closed.

In selected embodiments, the amount of sag in a hammock canopy 14 may beused as an indicator of proper hammock 10 installation. That is, whensuspending a hammock 10 between anchors, an installer may refer to theamount of sag in a hammock canopy 14 rather than resorting to a trialand error method requiring repeated entering and exiting of the hammock10.

In such a method in accordance with the present invention, an installermay suspend a hammock 10 between two anchors, then install one or morespreaders 42. Once the spreaders 42 are installed, the installer mayview the sag in the hammock canopy 14. If the sag is excessive, theinstaller may shorten the tethers 24, 26 suspending the hammock 10. Thismay raise the hammock 110 and reduce the sag in the hammock canopy 14.If the sag is too little, the installer may lengthen the tethers 24, 26suspending the hammock 10. This may lower the hammock 110 and increasethe sag in the hammock canopy 14.

Once the sag of the hammock canopy 14 is at the appropriate level, theinstaller may be assured that when occupied, the dynamic spreadingsystem 38 will impose just the right spread 40 (and corresponding archheight) to optimally tension the hammock canopy 14 once the hammock 10is weighted or occupied. In selected embodiments, the sag of the hammockcanopy 14 in FIG. 1 may be this appropriate level. In such embodiments,the sag may be about one half the maximum height of the hammock canopy14 above a corresponding hammock base 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, in selected embodiments, a hammock 10 may includeone or more pockets 56 for receiving and storing the door 50 or entryway50 portion of the hammock canopy 14 when it is not in use. Such pockets56 may include openings 58 into which the door 50 or entryway 50 may betucked.

In certain embodiments, a portion of a hammock canopy 14 may include twopockets 56. Each pocket 56 may have an opening 58 corresponding thereto.One such pocket 56 may be configured to receive and store the wind-breaklayer of the entryway 50 when it is not in use. The other such pocketmay be configured to receive and store the netting 52 layer of theentryway 50 when it is not in use.

A hammock 10 in accordance with the present invention may providecertain advantages associated with hammocks having rigid spreaders.However, due the dynamic nature of such a spreader system 38, a hammock10 in accordance with the present invention may avoid the instabilityassociated with hammocks having rigid spreaders.

For example, hammocks having rigid spreaders are held open and aretherefore relatively easy to enter. Also, due to their open nature,hammocks having rigid spreaders may seem non-confining, inviting, andcomfortable. However, these advantages come at a cost. Hammocks havingrigid spreaders are inherently unstable. If the weight carried by ahammocks having rigid spreaders is insufficiently centered with respectto those spreaders, that weight will be dumped from the hammock. Incontrast, a hammock 10 in accordance with the present invention mayprovide an open, inviting, non-confining environment that is both easyto enter and stable.

An occupant may be eccentrically positioned with respect to a hammockbase 12 and a dynamic spreader system 38 without destabilizing a hammock10 in accordance with the present invention. In the past, such stabilitywas the exclusive domain of spreaderless hammocks. However, unlike intypical spreaderless hammocks, an occupant of a hammock 10 in accordancewith the present invention is not enveloped or cocooned in material.Rather, the occupant may enjoy a rather spacious and open environment inwhich the unoccupied portion 60 of the hammock base 12 is held up andaway from the occupant.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, in selected embodiments, a hammock 10in accordance with the present invention may align its center of masswith a vertical plane 62 containing the tethers 24, 26 extending fromopposite ends of the hammock 10. As contents are added to such a hammock10, the combined center of mass of the contents and the hammock 10 mayalso align with the same vertical plane 62.

Due to the large difference between the mass of an occupant 64 and themass of the hammock 10, the center of mass of the occupant 64 maylargely define the center of mass of the hammock 10 and occupant 64system. Accordingly, as an occupant 64 moves within the hammock base 12,he or she may not leave the vertical plane 62. The hammock 10, on theother hand, may effectively rotate around or about the occupant 64.

For example, as an occupant moves (e.g., rolls) toward the second side22 of the hammock base 12, the hammock 10 may effectively rotate in afirst direction about the occupant 64. Conversely, as an occupant movestoward the first side 20 of the hammock base 12, the hammock 10 mayeffectively rotate in a second direction 68, opposite the firstdirection 66, about the occupant 64.

As an occupant 64 moves through the range of motion supported by thehammock base 12, from one extreme (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 6A)to the other (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 6C), the occupant 64 mayenjoy at all times an open area thereabove. Accordingly, a hammock 10 inaccordance with the present invention may provide an open, inviting,non-confining environment.

Similarly, as an occupant 64 moves through the range of motion supportedby the hammock base 12, the occupant 64 may enjoy at all times a stableplatform. That is, at no point in the range of motion supported by thehammock base 12 is the occupant 64 pushed or urged toward furthermotion. The occupant 64 may reside just as stably in an extreme of therange of motion as the occupant 64 can in the center of the range ofmotion.

In selected embodiments, the stability of a hammock 10 in accordancewith the present invention may arise at least in part by the inabilityof the dynamic spreader system 38 to laterally flatten the hammock base12. A dynamic spreader system 38 may urge separation of the first andsecond sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 12 in the lateral direction 11b. However, a dynamic spreader system 38 may not have unlimited strengthor force to urge that separation. In certain embodiments, a spreader 42of a dynamic spreader system 38 may be configured (e.g., sized) withinsufficient strength or force to laterally flatten an unweightedhammock base 12, let alone an occupied one.

That is, one may imagine a line 70 extending laterally from one side 20of a hammock base 12 to the other 22. In selected embodiments, this line70 may pass through the locations where the extension straps 46 secureto the hammock 10. Accordingly, the line 70 may approximate a line atwhich a spreader 42 applies its spreading force to a hammock base 12.

The distance 72 between this imaginary line 70 and the bottom of thehammock base 12 may reflect the ratio between the spreading force of aspreader 42 and the weight of a hammock 10 and its contents. The greaterthe spreading force of a spreader 42 in comparison to the weight of ahammock 10 and its contents, the less the distance 72. Conversely, thelower the spreading force of a spreader 42 in comparison to the weightof a hammock 10 and its contents, the greater the distance 72.

If a dynamic spreader system 38 in accordance with the present inventionwere removed and replaced by a typical rigid spreader in the typicalmanner, then the distance 72 between the imaginary line 70 and thebottom of the hammock base 12 would be minimal. Accordingly, there wouldbe no sagging pocket in the hammock base 12 to support an occupant 64.There would be no inherent stability. Once movement of an occupant 64induced excessive rotation 66, 68, there would be nothing to stop it,with the result being the dumping of the occupant 64 from the hammockbase 12.

Accordingly, to overcome the problems associated with rigid spreaders, aspreader 42 of a dynamic spreader system 38 in accordance with thepresent invention may be configured with insufficient strength or forceto laterally flatten an occupied hammock 10. By so doing, the hammockbase 12 may provide stable support for an occupant 64 in the extremepositions illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6C.

Referring to FIG. 7, a dynamic spreader system 38 in accordance with thepresent invention may support a wide range of spreading 40. The amountof spreading 40 imposed may depend on various factors as discussedhereinabove. In selected embodiments, the greatest spreading 40 maycorrespond to an unoccupied or substantially unweighted hammock 10. Theminimum spreading 40 may be about zero. That is, the first and secondsides 20, 22 of a hammock base 12 may be drawn substantially togetherwithout failing the dynamic spreader system 38.

In actual use, the minimum spreading 40 may correspond to a hammock base12 being used as a seat or chair, with the occupant 64 orientedorthogonally with respect to the longitudinal direction 11 a. When usedin that manner, a large portion of the lateral width of the hammock base12 may be loaded by the weight of the occupant 64. Accordingly,substantially all of the hammock base 12 may be tensioned in thelongitudinal direction 11 a.

Due to the configuration of the spreaders 42, the dynamic spreadersystem 38 may have insufficient strength or force to laterally spreadsuch a tensioned hammock base 12. Accordingly, the spreaders 42 maysimply adapt to or reflect the amount of spreading 40 between the firstand second sides 20, 22 of the hammock base 12 imposed by the particularuse.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in selected embodiments, a spreader 42 inaccordance with the present invention may be biased toward a verticalorientation. For example, the arch formed by a spreader 42 when it isdeflected over a hammock base 12 may be biased toward a verticalposition. So configured, a spreader 42 may maintain a substantiallyvertical orientation, even when the entryway 50 in the hammock canopy 14is open.

That is, when a spreader 42 is in a vertical position and the entryway50 of the hammock canopy 14 is open, material forming the hammock canopy14 may resist leaning 72 of the arch toward the longitudinal center ofthe hammock 10. However, when the entryway 50 in the hammock canopy 14is open, no portion of the hammock canopy 14 may be available to resistleaning 74 of the arch toward the other side (i.e., away from thelongitudinal center of the hammock 10). In such situations, the bias ofthe spreader 42 may be sufficient to maintain the spreader 42 in thevertical position.

In selected embodiments, the bias of a spreader 42 toward the verticalposition may arise due to the lower energy associated with thatposition. For example, as the arch of a spreader 42 is pushed 74 awayfrom the longitudinal center of the hammock 10, the material of thehammock canopy 14 (e.g., the sleeves 48, contour or perimeter shape ofthe entryway 50, etc.) may act in concert with the extension straps 46to increase the load or deflection applied to the spreader 42. Incertain embodiments, this increased load or deflection may cause theends of the spreader 42 to deflect 76 closer in toward the hammock base12. Due to the increase in the load or deflection applied to a spreader42 in a non-vertical position, the spreader 42 may urge (e.g., with anequal and opposite force) a return to the vertical position.

Referring to FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, it may be desirable toadjust the length of a tether 24, 26 suspending a hammock 10. This maybe done by untying then retying a tether 24, 26, pulling a tether 24, 26through an adjustment buckle, or the like. Additionally, in selectedembodiments in accordance with the present invention, a drip ringadjustment method may be used to adjust the length of a tether 24, 26.

A drip ring 78 may prevent water from running down a tether 24, 26 andwetting a hammock 10. In an installed configuration, a tether 24, 26 maypass through the interior aperture 80 of the drip ring 78 in a firstdirection 82, wrap around one side of the ring 78, then again passthrough the interior aperture 80 in the first direction 82. When thetether 24, 26 is tensioned (e.g., the hammock 10 is weighted), the dripring 78 may be held securely in place. Due to this securement, the dripring 78 may provide a location to which a free end 84 of the tether 24,26 may secure.

That is, the free end 84 of a tether 24, 26 may extend away from ahammock 10, engage an anchor, then return back along itself. As itreturns along itself, the free end 84 may engage or be tied to the dripring 78, thus defining the effective length of the tether 24, 26. Insuch embodiments, the effective length of the tether 24, 26 may beadjusted by moving the drip ring 78 toward or away from the hammock 10.

This may be accomplished by first removing the tension in the tether 24,26 (e.g., removing objects of significant weight from the hammock 10).Material forming the tether 24, 26 may then be inserted 86 though theaperture 80 in the drip ring 78 to enlarge and loosen the loop 88wrapped around the side of the drip ring 78. With the loop 88 enlargedand loose, the drip ring 78 may advance or retreat along the tether 24,26 until the desired new effective length is reached. When the desiredeffective length for the tether 24, 26 is reached, the loop 88 may bepulled tight against the drip ring 78, thereby locking it in place.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative,and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. A method comprising: selecting a hammock comprising ahammock base having a first end, a second end opposite the first end ina longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second side opposite thefirst side in a lateral direction; suspending the first end of thehammock base from a first anchor; suspending the second end of thehammock base from a second anchor; spreading the hammock base in thelateral direction using exclusively a dynamic spreader system; andadjusting automatically, by the dynamic spreader system, the amount ofthe spreading in response to changes in at least one of the weight,shape, and orientation of contents within the hammock base.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the dynamic spreader system comprises a firstspreader resiliently deflected to arch over the hammock base and urgethe first side away from the second side.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein the first spreader extends substantially linearly in itsneutral, undeflected position.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thehammock further comprises: a hammock canopy having a first end, a secondend opposite the first end in a longitudinal direction, a first side,and a second side opposite the first side in a lateral direction; andthe hammock canopy cooperating with the hammock base to form anenclosure.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the dynamic spreader systemfurther comprises: a first spreader anchor connected to the hammock baseproximate the first side thereof; a second spreader anchor connected tothe hammock base proximate the second side thereof; and the secondspreader anchor being directly laterally opposite the first spreaderanchor.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first spreader comprises afirst end engaging the first spreader anchor and a second end engagingthe second spreader anchor.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thehammock canopy comprises a first guide sized to receive the firstspreader.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first spreader extendsfrom the first spreader anchor, through the first guide, to the secondspreader anchor.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first spreadersuspends the hammock canopy above the hammock base.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the dynamic spreader system further comprises a secondspreader resiliently deflected to arch over the hammock base and urgethe first side away from the second side.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the second spreader extends substantially linearly in itsneutral, undeflected position.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thedynamic spreader system further comprises: a third spreader anchorconnected to the hammock base proximate the first side thereof; a fourthspreader anchor connected to the hammock base proximate the second sidethereof; and the fourth spreader anchor being directly laterallyopposite the third spreader anchor.
 13. The method of claim 12, whereinthe second spreader comprises a first end engaging the third spreaderanchor and a second end engaging the fourth spreader anchor.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the hammock canopy comprises a second guidesized to receive the second spreader.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the second spreader extends from the third spreader anchor,through the second guide, to the fourth spreader anchor.
 16. The methodof claim 15, wherein the second spreader suspends the hammock canopyabove the hammock base.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the secondspreader is substantially identical to the first spreader.
 18. A methodcomprising: selecting a hammock comprising: a hammock base having afirst end, a second end opposite the first end in a longitudinaldirection, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side in alateral direction, a first tether holding the first end of the hammockbase in a first gather, and a second tether holding the second end ofthe hammock base in a second gather; securing the first tether to afirst anchor; securing the second tether to a second anchor; installingat least one spreader resiliently deflected to arch over the hammockbase and urge the first side away from the second side; and occupying,by a human user after the installing, the hammock base without employingany rigid spreader.
 19. A method comprising: selecting a hammock systemcomprising: a hammock base having a first end, a second end opposite thefirst end in a longitudinal direction, a first side, and a second sideopposite the first side in a lateral direction, a first tether holdingthe first end of the hammock base in a first gather, a second tetherholding the second end of the hammock base in a second gather, and adynamic spreading system; securing the first tether to a first anchor;securing the second tether to a second anchor; spreading the hammockbase in the lateral direction using exclusively the dynamic spreadersystem; placing contents within the hammock base; and adjustingautomatically, by the dynamic spreader system in response to theplacing, the amount of the spreading.
 20. The method of claim 19,wherein the spreading comprises installing at least one spreaderresiliently deflected to arch over the hammock base and urge the firstside away from the second side.